What is the difference between Compostable and Biodegradable?
A product that is “compostable” is one that can be placed into a composition of decaying biodegradable materials, and eventually turn into a nutrient-rich material. It is almost synonymous with “biodegradable,” except it is limited to solid materials and does not refer to liquids. Composting occurs in nature every day as fallen leaves and tree limbs biodegrade into the forest floor. “The EPA considers composting a form of recycling because it turns resources into a usable product”.*1 Composting is a natural biological process, carried out under controlled conditions, which converts organic material into a stable humus-like product called compost. During the composting process, various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down organic material into simpler substances. Composting is an aerobic process, meaning that the microorganisms require oxygen to do their work.*2 “Composting” and “compost” are two distinct terms. The former refers to the bio-oxidation process and the
Compostable Plastic is plastic which is “capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of an available program, such that the plastic is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose). and leaves no toxic residue.” American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). In order for a plastic to be called compostable, three (3) criteria must be met: • Biodegrade – break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper). • Disintegrate – the material is indistinguishable in the compost, that it is not visible and needs to be screened out. • No Eco-toxicity – the biodegradation does not produce any toxic material and the compost can support plant growth. Biodegradable Plastic is plastic which will degrade from naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi etc. over a period of time. Note, that th
